Story Structure - Three Heroes
Three Heroes Story Structure follows the Hero's Journey mould but distinguishes itself by making both the hero and the shape shifter both likeable and deserving of the final prize.
The Classic Hero's Journey also makes the shape shifter likeable and deserving of the prize but in Three Heroes, we get more of the Shape Shifter's back-story and surprisingly little of the Hero's.
The structure has 26 core sequences, some of which are summarised here:
1) Introduce the shape shifter and a minor foe.
2) Introduce antagonist - include foreshadow of adventure; the antagonist learns that a prize is to be gained. Show the evil nature of the antagonist.
3) Enhance the antagonist's journey. Where the adventure from the point of view of the antagonist is further established; the antagonist investigates the prize, usually through the knowledge of a sage of some sort. Enhance the evil nature of the antagonist.
4) Introduce protagonist. Show the protagonist's strengths, weaknesses, status, supernatural gifts etc.
5) Establish relationship between the protagonist and the shape shifter - advance the character and goal of the antagonist in between.
6) The protagonist and the shape shifter fall out - establish why. Provide reasons why the shape shifter must seek out or hunt the protagonist.
7) Advance the story of the antagonist and his search for the prize. Enhance his evil nature.
8) The shape shifter prepares to hunt for the protagonist; establish his skills; that he is a threat to the protagonist.
The Three Heroes Story and Screenplay Structure can be found at http://www.managing-creativity.com.
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Kal Bishop, MBA
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Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached on http://www.managing-creativity.com